Violent clashes broke out last night and at dawn Monday in Nablus city after thousands of Jewish settlers stormed Joseph’s Tomb and its vicinity under military protection in order to perform rituals.

Eyewitnesses told the Palestinian Information Center (PIC) that one bulldozer escorted by a large number of Israeli troops aboard military vehicles entered some neighborhoods at the eastern entrance to Nablus city.

They added that Israeli soldiers broke into the Nablus municipality’s fire station and detained several firemen.

Earlier, more than 50 military vehicles came to Joseph’s Tomb before midnight and soon later buses and cars carrying scores of Jewish settlers arrived in the area under military guard.

Consequently, the unwelcome presence of Israeli troops and settlers in the city provoked overnight clashes with local young men.

Local sources said that violent clashes took place in Amman street and expanded to the northern entrance to Balata refugee camp.

They added that many citizens inside homes and young protesters suffered from inhaling tear gas and three young men were arrested during the events.

According to eyewitnesses, a number of youths tried to set Joseph’s Tomb on fire before the arrival of Israeli soldiers and settlers to the area, but security elements from the Palestinian Authority prevented them from doing so. However, they managed to throw Molotov cocktails at the exterior walls of the mausoleum.